1) Sir Gawain prepares for his quest by donning elaborate armor decorated with gold. His armor is described in great detail, highlighting its craftsmanship. 2) Gawain then attends mass and says farewell to the court. He mounts his horse Gringolet, whose armor and tack also feature luxurious gold decorations. 3) The passage emphasizes the rich materials and intricate designs used in Gawain's armor and equipment, portraying him as a knight of high status on an important mission.

1. But Gawain only smiled: "Should I waste my time With fear? ...
But Gawain only smiled:
"Should I waste my time
With fear? Whether pleasant or wild,
Fate must be put to the test."
So he rested that day, then rose the next morning
And at dawn called for his armor. It was brought,
But first a rich red rug was spread
On the floor: gold armor gleamed where it lay.
Then Gawain stepped forward, took steel in his hands,
And over a doublet of Tharsia silk
Fastened a hood, tied at the neck
And lined inside with thick fur. Then hammered
Steel shoes were set on his feet, and his legs
Wrapped all around with well-hinged metal,
With armored knee-plates, polished bright
And fastened tight by golden cords;
Thigh-plates, elegant and thick, closed
Around his strong muscles, and were laced
In place. And then his mail-shirt metal
Woven like silk hung shimmering on his chest,
And polished arm-pieces, and beautifully bent
Elbow joints, and steel gloves,
And all the equipment he needed, and owned,
For that ride,
Draped with heraldic designs --
And gold spurs on his feet,
And his good sword at his side,
And a sash belt was neat.

2. And Gawain's gear shone rich, the smallest
Laces and loops glowing with gold
Ready in armor, he stood at the altar
For mass to be chanted, then came to the king
And the assembled knights of Arthur's court,
And took courteous leave of lords and ladies,
Who kissed him, commended him to Christ, then
Walked him
There where Gringolet stood ready, his saddle
Of gleaming leather, hung with gold,
Studded with new nails, and a striped bridle,
Trimmed and tied with gold. And Gringolet's
Breast-plates, and shining saddle-skirts,
And tail-armor, and the cloth on his back, matched
His saddle-bows, all set on a background
Of rich gold nails that glittered like the sun.
Close Reading!
It's not just about plot. It's about enjoying the "performance!" It's about "the elements of
STYLE!"
Style helps us understand why the literature is powerful and moving.
An author's word choice helps us relate to characters/ setting/ conflicts/ the piece as a
whole.
Remember, STYLE can include (but is not limited to) the following:
Syntax
Diction
Rhetorical Devices
The use of sound devices (assonance, consonance, sibilance, onomatopoeia)
Tone
Mood
Symbolism
Characterizations
Poetic Structure
Rhyme
Rhythm / Meter / Tempo
Imagery
Voice (colloquial, formal, etc.)
Allusions (to other literature)
Patterns

3. Etc.
This is your question...
Earlier this year we analyzed this passage, taken from Verse 24 and Verse 25, and
considered, based on the passage, what may be the author's perspective of Sir Gawain as a
heroic knight. Now please review Verse 36, which begins on page 55 of our book. Consider
and focus on Verse 36 while keeping in mind Verses 24 and 25. What is the significance of
these descriptions of Sir Gawain?
Your written response will be graded on the sophistication of your writing, as well as your
ability to "take me into the text." This is your chance to analyze a short piece of literature
and evaluate the author's purpose.